Read the rest here:
‘Santa Paws’ at Walt Disney World Resort

Follow this link:
Disney’s Night of Joy Concert Schedule Released

Read more:
Disney attendance up in 2009

New treats for the taste buds await Walt Disney World guests this fall – a season that also will feature treats for the ears of music-lovers, treats for the eyes of art-lovers and sports fans, treats that make good “scents” and lots of just plain trick-or-treats. Fall is traditionally a season of special events at the Vacation Kingdom, and 2010 will be no exception as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Night of Joy, Festival of the Masters, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic for PGA players and the Old Spice Classic all return – to be joined by an all-new running event.  And to top it off: There will be new dining adventures, new digs for Fido, and a place to make a “new you.” Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store, beginning with what’s “all new”: New adventures in dining During fall 2010, new culinary adventures coming to the Vacation Kingdom include an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and a Latin chicken restaurant, while a popular Mexican restaurant reopens with a fresh menu and expanded seating: In Italy at Epcot World Showcase, Via Napoli , an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, will feature wood-burning ovens – and will import water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough.  This 300-seat pizzeria will feature a menu inspired by the famous pizzerias of southern Italy.  The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.  The Patina Restaurant Group also operates Tutto Italia Ristorante at the pavilion. At Downtown Disney Marketplace, Pollo Campero , an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept.  The restaurant will showcase Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken (which features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices) as well as a new fresh concept named Fresh A-Peel (featuring fresh salads, sandwiches, fruits and healthy snacks) plus vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium or organic offerings. In Mexico at Epcot World Showcase, an expanded Cantina de San Angel restaurant will feature 400 combined seats with al fresco seating for quick-service meals plus a new, air-conditioned table-service restaurant featuring authentic specialty dishes from Mexico created by the talented culinary team at San Angel Inn, LLC., which has operated the food service at the Mexico pavilion for more than 25 years. New digs for Fido and Frisky Slated for a late-summer opening, a full-service luxury pet care facility on Bonnet Creek Parkway across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort will provide a comfortable home-away-from-home for Fido, Frisky and all their pet pals!  The one-of-a-kind facility will be able to accommodate up to 270 dogs in a variety of standard and luxury suites, some with private outdoor patios and play yards.  The separate “Kitty City” pavilion will be able to house up to 30 cats in two- and four-story cat condos.  A special room is also available for the boarding of “pocket pets,” Including pet hamsters and birds. The facility, to be operated by Best Friends Pet Care, will comprise more than 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space plus 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas.  It will replace the five existing pet care facilities throughout Walt Disney World Resort and will be open to both Walt Disney World Resort guests and visitors staying off-property. New ‘Re-treats’ for your skin In time for fall, Givenchy is opening a shop at the France pavilion in Epcot that will be the only retail location in the United States to offer the full line of Givenchy make-up and skin-care products, as well as a large selection of Givenchy fragrances. New ‘ultimate night out’ for runners Imagine a foot race that starts at 10 p.m. and finishes, 13.1 miles later, with an exclusive party replete with culinary delights and specialty drinks from around the world.  That’s the scenario for the signature race of the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on Oct. 1-2. The half marathon on Oct. 2 caps a schedule that also includes a two-day expo, 5K fun run and kids races – all during the opening two days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  The full details and registration are at www.disneywinedinerun.com . Let the music play! A star-powered 15-act lineup topped by Casting Crowns, Third Day, mercyme, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band and Family Force 5 will take the stage when Night of Joy returns to Magic Kingdom Sept. 10-11, kicking off the fall season’s special events.  The lineup of Christian artists appearing over the two nights runs the spectrum from Rock…

Read the original: Walt Disney World Presents “Fall” a Season of Sights, Sounds, Smells and Very Good Tastes

From the Disney Park Blog : This week, you didn’t need to visit the blog to know what we were talking about. Kent Phillips’ images of space shuttle Discovery soaring over Cinderella Castle were everywhere. Hands down, it was our most popular post of the week. Thanks again, Kent. We also shared new video of Frontierland Hoedown Happening at Magic Kingdom Park . If you haven’t experienced it, the action begins without notice at Walt Disney World. See for yourself: Here’s a recap of this week’s most popular posts: Disney Restaurants Get Top Votes — Find out which Walt Disney World Restaurants are getting top honors. New College Sports Apparel Features Mickey Mouse — This brand-new apparel line has been created especially for our online guests and features Mickey Mouse and a few of your favorite Collegiate Teams. One Fine Day — Share a touching Magic Kingdom moment with Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Allison Valdes and her son, Reagan. Vinylmation Visuals — Steven Miller gave us a behind-the-scenes peek at upcoming Vinylmation displays. New Deluxe Restaurant Coming to the Disney Dream — Foodies and cruise fans celebrated the announcement of Remy –- a new upscale, adult-only fine dining experience coming to the Disney Dream. Disney Quick Hits – Mini News Feed for March 13th … Disney Quick Hits – Mini News Feeds … Disneyworld Food News – Quick Bites … Fantasyland Expansion at Magic Kingdom Park Update … Share the Magic:

The rest is here:
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap for April 12th

Disneyorama is reporting that Toy Story Mania will be getting a software program update in conjunction with the upcoming Toy Story 3 which is scheduled in theaters on June 18 : For the first time in Disney Imagineering history, Imagineers are going to take advantage of the ability to swap out computer programs and change one of the midway games at Toy Story Midway Mania. The transition will occur in conjunction with the upcoming Toy Story 3 which is scheduled in theaters on June 18. The balloon pop game will be changed from Bo Peep and her sheep to Rex and Trixie (the triceratops from the new movie), and will feature a jungle/volcano theme. What is significant about this change is that the attraction very likely will experience zero downtime during the change. This is due to the fact that the change only involves changing out computer programs which can be done  overnight. Therefore it is assumed that the attraction will simply close one day with the old game and reopen the next day with the new game. Click here to keep reading. Space Shuttle Discovery Soars Over Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World … Pixar`Toy Story 3′ to debut in Taiwan before US … Summertime Savings of up to 30% at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels … Trek Women Triathlon Series coming to Walt Disney World … Share the Magic:

Read more here: Toy Story Mania at Walt Disney World To Get New Games

From Edward:  Where is the best viewing spot for the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the parade that goes on before hand with all the lights.  The name escapes me at the moment. Wshes Nighttime Spectacular is aptly named – it is a spectacular display of fireworks, moving music, and even a visit from Tinker Bell. The SpectroMagic Parade adds an enormous number of dazzling lights to its floats. If you’re lucky enough to catch Wishes and the SpectroMagic Parade on the same night, it will be a wonderful end to a day at the Magic Kingdom. Be sure to check the parade and fireworks schedule; SpectroMagic generally begins one hour before Wishes  but does not run every evening.   To get the best view of Wishes, you’ll want to be on the south side of Cinderella Castle (toward the park entrance) since the fireworks are launched from behind the castle. SpectroMagic begins on Main Street, U.S.A. and moves around the castle hub to Frontierland. Since it can be very crowded for these nighttime events, I recommend finding a spot on Main Street, U.S.A. This way, you can have a good view of both without having to move through the crush of guests to  find a new location for Wishes. After SpectroMagic, you can have someone in your party reserve your spot while you take a bathroom break and find a snack. The most popular locations on Main Street are towards the Castle Hub near Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant. For something a little quieter, try the terrace of the Plaza Restaurant. To get a prime spot, stake your claim at least thirty minutes before SpectroMagic begins; more during the busier weeks of the year.   Another option for a great view of Wishes is the popular, seasonal Wishes Dessert Party which has recently returned. This private dessert party combines a well-stocked buffet of sweets with a reserved fireworks viewing location at The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. The Wishes Dessert Party beings one hour before the fireworks; if you opt for this party, it will be difficult get an up close view of SpectroMagic and take full advantage of the dessert portion of the party. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.  The adult price is $21.99 and children (ages 3-9) are $11.99; peak pricing is $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children.   If you are visiting Walt Disney World in Summer, 2010 (June 6 through August 14), the much beloved Main Street Electrical Parade will return to Walt Disney World and will run in place of SpectroMagic. Also, a special fireworks extravaganza will temporarily replace Wishes during Summer Nightastic!   Thanks for your questions and have a wonderful time at SpectroMagic and Wishes. Thanks to Lisa for answering this “Ask a Disney Question” for me today.  If you have any Disney questions,  ask us .  If we can’t find the answer, we’ll  find someone who can. Photo copyright Wikipedia.org. Ask a Disney Question: Where Can You Watch Wishes from the Contemporary? … Share the Magic:

Link: Ask a Disney Question: Best Places to Watch Wishes.

From Denise O.:  My family and I are doing one day in the Magic Kingdom this Saturday.  None of us have ever been.  Kids are 18 and 13 years of age. They will be most interested in fast/roller coaster type rides.  What should we NOT miss. We only have the one day.  I till take any advise I can get. Thank you in Advance.  Hi, Denise.  I love this question because I’ve done it myself.  It’s exhausting but a lot of fun.  So here’s the bad news:  The day you’re going is the end of spring break.  It’s going to be busy and hot.  The good news is you can make the most out of your trip by doing a couple of really simple things. I know from taking to you that you won’t be purchasing park hoppers, so you’ll be spending the entire day in the Magic Kingdom (MK).  Saturday’s hours are  from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.  It’s an extra magic hours morning, which means that resort guests will be allowed to enter the park an hour prior to day guests.  This will add to some of the crowding in the MK that day.   Hopefully, that also means that at least some resort guests will be exhausted by early afternoon and return to their rooms for a break, giving you a least a little relief from the crowds.  With that in mind, here are the basics: Getting There is Half the Fun :  Parking on site is $14 a day.  Getting to the MK is a little involved; it’s designed to heighten your sense of anticipation by delaying your arrival and then showing you glimpses of the park as you travel either by monorail or by ferry.   You’ll park in the MK parking lot. At this point, you’ll have the option of taking a tram to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) or walking to it.  Save your feet and take the tram unless you’re really close.  At the TTC, you’ll have a choice of taking the monorail or the ferry. The express monorail goes directly to the MK; while on the express you’ll  ride thru the Contemporary Resort, which is kind of an iconic experience.  The resort monorail stops at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian before it gets to the Magic Kingdom.   If the line for the express monorail looks long, try the resort monorail, as the lines are almost always shorter. The ferry takes a few minutes longer than either monorail, but it’s a very scenic route and it can also hold many more people, so again, if there’s a long line this can be a good bet.  Three ferries run between the MK and the TTC. One important thing:  Give yourself at least an hour to get from the TTC to the MK if you want to be there at rope drop (Disney language for when the park opens).  Once you’re there, you’ll go thru security and they’ll check your bags. A good way to save time is to not carry a handbag or backback.  You’ll be waived thru a special line with no security check.  Next, you’ll go to one of many turnstiles, which  usually  quickly. If you can, avoid lines with lots of strollers.    And There It Is:  Cinderella Castle .   Next, you’ll enter Town Square and beyond that, Main Street and Cinderella Castle (Quick trivia:  no apostrophe S).  Behind you is the railroad station; there’s a train that goes around the park with stops in Frontierland and Toontown.  The Magic Kingdom is easy to get around in and well-designed in a hub and spoke pattern mimicked by other theme parks.  The worst bottlenecks are in Tomorrowland and Frontierland.  Pathways extend from the hub to the various lands:  Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Main Street USA, and Adventureland. Touring the Parks .  While the Magic Kingdom is the quintessential WDW experience, it lacks thrill rides.  In fact, Disney thrill rides are divided among the four parks, so without a park hopper, you won’t experience all of them.  Still, there is plenty to do in the MK and your boys won’t be disappointed.  There’s actually a whole body of knowledge devoted to touring the parks in a way that maximizes your experience and minimizes your wait times; I’ll talk more about this at the end. Roughly what this entails is getting to the parks when they open, using fastpasses, and visiting the busiest attractions early in the day.  In case you’re not aware, a fastpass (FP) is your friend.  You’ll go get your FP right when the park opens for the busiest rides. In the MK, these are the “mountains,”, Splash, Big Thunder, and Space as well as attractions like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and the Haunted Mansion, both of which your boys and you  will love.   Just take your ticket and put it in a FP machine at the attraction you’re interested in. It will give you a return time a bit later (sometimes a lot later) and you’ll go ride something else while you wait.  Notice on the FP that you can get another FP for another attraction an hour or so before your return times.  Also, if you don’t make your return time, you’ll still be allowed in. So this is what I would do.  When the park opens, head toward Tomorrowland and get a FP for Space Mountain.  If the line isn’t too long, ride it, giving you a minimum of two rides on Space Mountain that day (now and when you use your FP).  Then head over to Splash Mountain and ride that, …

Go here to read the rest: Ask a Disney Question: First-Timer with One Day in the Magic Kingdom.